By Paul Joseph
The United States has revised its sanctions list, freezing the assets and financial interests of several Nigerians and organisations due to alleged connections to terrorism and cybercrime.
This update was released on February 10 by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as part of its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Under Executive Order 13224, all property and interests of those named are blocked within US jurisdiction, and US individuals are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them.
Here is a summary of the Nigerians and groups associated with Nigeria that are currently sanctioned:
Individuals Sanctioned for Terrorism Links:
- Khalid al Barnawi
- Abubakar Shekau
- Abu Musab al Barnawi
- Abu Bakr al Mainuki
- Salihu Yusuf Adamu
- Surajo Abubakar Muhammad
- Abdurrahman Ado Musa
- Bashir Ali Yusuf
- Ibrahim Ali Alhassan
- Ali Abbas Usman Jega
These individuals have been designated under the Specially Designated Global Terrorist programme for their alleged connections to Boko Haram or ISIL-related activities.
The US designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in 2013, citing its violent attacks throughout Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.
Individuals Sanctioned for Cybercrime:
- Nnamdi Orson Benson
- Abiola Ayorinde Kayode
- Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin
- Felix Osilama Okpoh
- Michael Olorunyomi
- Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh
These individuals were included under OFAC’s CYBER2 sanctions programme.
Other Designated Individuals:
- Abeni O. Ogungbuyi
Organisations Sanctioned Include:
- Boko Haram
- Ansaru
- Amigo Supermarket Limited
- Kafak Enterprises Limited
- Wonderland Amusement Park and Resort Ltd
- Aurum Ship Management FZC
- ISIS West Africa
- Jammal Trust Bank S.A.L.
According to OFAC, this publication serves as official notice that the property and interests of the listed individuals are blocked as part of the US’s efforts to combat terrorism and enhance security.
This sanctions update coincides with renewed scrutiny from US lawmakers regarding religious freedom issues in Nigeria. A separate congressional proposal recently mentioned former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria for potential visa bans and asset freezes, although this recommendation is separate from the OFAC designations.
In October 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would once again be placed on a religious freedom watchlist, reigniting discussions about security and faith-based violence in the country.
The latest sanctions underscore Washington’s ongoing commitment to disrupting terrorism financing networks and addressing cyber-related threats associated with Nigeria.
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